Fragility Fractures: Risk Factors and Management in the Elderly

Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 Oct 17;57(10):1119. doi: 10.3390/medicina57101119.

Abstract

Given the progressive ageing of Western populations, the fragility fractures market has a growing socioeconomic impact. Fragility fractures are common in the elderly, negatively impacting their quality of life, limiting autonomy, increasing disability, and decreasing life expectancy. Different causes contribute to the development of a fractures in frail individuals. Among all, targeting fragile patients before the development of a fracture may represent the greatest challenge, and current diagnostic tools suffer from limitations. This study summarizes the current evidence on the management of fragility fractures, discussing risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and actual limitations of the clinical therapeutic options, putting forward new ideas for further scientific investigation.

Keywords: fractures; fragility; osteoporosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Osteoporotic Fractures* / epidemiology
  • Osteoporotic Fractures* / etiology
  • Osteoporotic Fractures* / prevention & control
  • Quality of Life*
  • Risk Factors